ALL Older Riders Lose THIS... How it affects your Safety on a Motorcycle 

Great advise.

Emphasis on missing the junction is life saving advice. Nothing brings a bike down faster than over application of the front brake when turning the steering even a fraction. Thank you for that important addition to my own thoughts as well as the others who will read this.

Great advice Pete, Even in a car I've seen some idiots who foolishly dive into into a left turn lane rather than go the extra distance and then Safely get into a left turn lane! I'll always go out of my way on my motorcycle to make a left OR a right turn if I need to.

I'm going to buy a sport bike once I feel myself reaching a sophomore skill set on my sportster. I don't do anything spontaneously. Times I thought about it I looked over later and realized I'd have been in a collision. People often brake to let me in when I'd really prefer they didn't. I'm not in a rush

I agree, also a police motor trained officer who is now 54 years old. I know my skills peaked back in my 30s and 40s as well. I went completed motor school back when I was 28 years old.

Amen

Both happened to me after I turned 69 2 years ago. ​@@BillHerring-nh5th

I think there's evidence to support this.... and I've never yet seen a motorcyclist 'nod off' whilst riding.

True,...whenI swing a leg over and hit the starter,..Im 18 again at 73.

I think you didn't listen to the video...😁. I understand that admitting being too old to ride a bike takes some courage but might help you, your family, and your friends. Slogans like yours don't help.

l used to ride with a group ..(senior)..here in Spain. l thought it a good idea until l saw a couple of the riders 'ride into the foliage'... l now only ride with one or two riders..Day trips only at a speed where one has time to look at the scenery rather than becoming part of it..

At 65, after riding bikes since I was 10 years old...............I have really noticed the decrease of reaction to whats going on, it seems like concentration level has decreased more than anything..............as an ex racer, Ive always liked to push it a good bit. Not the best idea as one gets older. I know guys my age that ride once or twice a year, they arent coherent enough to realize how dangerous this is....its more a diversion or a casual hobby for them. Many seem to think they are expert level with no basis for this idea.

@@brianperry Group rides, CAN be about the most dangerous thing to do. And many only ride if its a group event. Its a social thing rather than a riding thing. Those other riders can take you out in a split second. Stuff happens SO quick on the road sometimes. I ride solo or with one or 2 friends where I know, they know, what they're doing. Those who ride Harleys, know about this group ride deal. They all dress the same, they all have loud bikes, and they only ride in a pack, usually right next to each other 2 x 2.............so if one goes down they can all go down. Almost always their group ride is a bar to bar ride. Most dont know enough, to know, they don't know anything about riding a bike. Their ego gets in the way.

Yes Sir, you are absolutely right! Made my own experience. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany.

"I AM" going to ride as long as I am healthy enough!!! Now 60 years old still ride my bicycle backwards sitting on the handlebars, although difficult to see where I am or what's coming but I have every intention of continuing to ride my bicycle. As long as I'm able I just built a Harley with a 10in over chop't with 120" motor at 130 HP I prefer to die healthy as I can and preferably doing something I enjoy like riding!!! so ride till you die.... Or ride or die.....❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️...I have been a successful crash dummy for over 50+ years I still tuck and roll like a 12 year old.....to each his own...MUCH RESPECT TO All and GOD BLESS!!!

Yep, spot on. Having been a young and wild rider who survived has given me an edge? Maybe. I always look at riding a bike as a lottery. No matter how well you ride or how much you know, there always comes the point of no return. For example, a car is turning across your lane, he waits, you see him, what to do? Ride on confidently, speed up to show you mean business, slow down for safety and display hesitancy? In a car, all the hard stuff is around you. On a bike, all the hard stuff is protected by our body. I love riding, it is astonishing. I feel it to be magical. I also have many friends and relatives who are no longer here. I will keep on riding and will enjoy. Cheers.

I used to tell new riders to ride as if 50% of drivers don’t see you, and the other half are aiming for you. I’m 75yo, and am downsizing my dirt bike to a crf250x.

I'm in 100% agreement with you.

@@tedecker3792 truth

@@trukngal I learned that from an 80yo BMW rider I met at Sturgis in 1969. I heard he was killed in an accident in Florida two years later.

I tink back roads are dangerous! Intersections, side roads, non focused drivers. I never pass if they are going over 45 mph.

I'm 71 and started riding at 17. I don't ride my Road King much as the weight is too heavy in town plus I'm dealing with some health issues. However I still ride my Springer as it is so much easier to ride. I take non-interstate roads and rely on my years of experience. Never take anything for granted, always use your mirrors, do what is good for you, and leave fear at home. Shiny side up!

@@tellytruth8554 Yep, dropping down to a lighter weight bike is what kept me riding. It needs to be one that you can hold up when not moving.

I never go on green anymore, I wait and look. Too many clowns.

Hope you wear some hi viz gear too. I used to ride mostly in black when I was younger but now I never go out without my bright hi viz vest.

Age 77, and I agree. Less horsepower, slower speeds, and stay off the interstates. Just ride the back roads, and see more at slower speeds.

I agree with both of you gentlemen. At 71, I stay off the interstates and avoid high traffic areas (big cities) if there is anyway I can. I live on a small rural town, so this is not hard. The only problem is training. The nearest paved parking lot is 40 miles away😰

@@hankscally9658 Wow, 40 miles to a paved parking lot. That is really rural. Where or what state do you live in?? PS. I live in a small town also.

@@williamarinder8809 I live in a small town in rural New Mexico. The nearest paved parking lot that is large enough for practice is in a town 40 miles away. Our high school has a paved parking lot, but it is fenced and is only available during school hours, and is usually full of cars.

@@hankscally9658 I guess we should be glad that we can still ride after age 70. Seems like my body hurts somewhere different every day. LOL

Very well said. 70 here & hanging the best I can through issues, but still trying to have fun

I never thought about being this age. At 68, I still ride a motorcycle, a quad, go camping, and take the boat to the lake. It's my idea of living.

I'm 68 yrs old, have 3 Motorbikes, 40 years no claims, and I can see the bottom line on the Eye Chart without Glasses !!! I also spend a lot of time on my X Box Isle of Man TT simulator !!!! That makes your Brain Speed Up. So when I ride my real bikes at the speed limit, it feels like slow motion, and I always expect every motorist to do something Stupid !!! So I never get caught out !!!! I do all my own repairs and I really love my Bikes because I keep them in good mechanical condition !!!! All my Biker Friends don't know how to adjust the Clutch lever, or how to pump the tyres up !!!!

true,i'm 72 and ride with younger riders. They love it when i lead. Slower speeds and always trying to anticipate the errors by car riders.

Im 65, I still do 150+ miles a week on bicycles, and I feel strong doing it. I ride an 890R KTM............some guys I grew up with have all but had it at this age. They quit moving a long time ago. A person can be ancient by age 65, or still out going for it.

Having lost a brother when a woman failed to stop at a stop sign, I assume that people are not going to stop and they don't see me when they change lanes.

I did the same with my kids! Being video game generation, I used the analogy that while driving someone will come out of nowhere and try to ruing your day, so just like in a video game, you need to be waiting for that quota. As part of that training, when some does something stupid, you never get mad at them because you were expecting it.

100%! Welcome back! Ride safe and ride often.

72 and live in rural Australia been riding since about 12 on farm bikes stayed healthy by taking it easy on the black stuff.

If you got out all the go-fast, why are you riding a 170 hp motorcycle?

What about Tom Cruise?

@@brianballerini5886 some folks are just bulletproof! 🤣 And have a film crew, and multiple takes and . . .

@@brianballerini5886 Tom is definitely younger than me!

Hang in there bro. I hear ya, just turned 70 here. Where that time go!!

Old bikers never die they just smell that way. Lol 😆

Great points...especially number 1!

Very cool! I wanna be you!

I fell in love with motorcycles when two friends of mine, brothers, had 21" Whizzer Sportsmans. Soon after, my brother and I pooled our money and bought a used 1950 125 CZ.

@@johnhampton5320 Cool. You have been around the block a few times also. Whizzers were fun little machines. I also rode Cushman motor scooters and any thing with a motor. LOL

well you beat me by a few mouths. Me, 07/02/39. still riding. Bike I liked the most Manx Norton 500cc race tuned. I have never had a crash. but I am packing up. if the Bike falls over I cannot pick it up. Yamaha 1300cc.

77 & been riding 70 years. Over 50 bikes from every continent that makes one. Been 200 mph - one time enough. Had some lovely & lively ones. Raced a little. Trials too. General and special purpose. Agree with everything above. On a 600cc Silverwing scooter now, but want one more motorcycle. 750cc or much less. 450-500#. 2 similar stories about hardcore bikers. There both times. First responder. MC left road flew 700’. Old man. No ID, dentures, tags or serial numbers. Fingerprints negative. 2 weeks later no idea who he is. Left mc there. I asked for description. A BMW. Called factory. Found the dealer in Washington. Knew the man. Daughter came for body. Unperturbed. His parents and wife dead from cancer. He had a bad one. Daughter said he rode for days to weeks at a time. Left note on counter. “ Love you, be seeing you, Dad. “ Picked a nice day. Hard core MC rider. Worse ways to go, maybe. Motor cycles have been good for me, I believe. Not much living left to do with my health. My girls want me as long as possible. Wish they rode.

I’m 47 years “ in the saddle “ . JUST had my 4th back surgery . This time they put 12 screws approximately 2” long and multiple “ semi - flexible “ rods from L-1 all the way down to S -1 . So that’s (6) discs and the one in the neck at C-6-7 makes (7) total . JUST bought my dream “ Low Rider “ that I’ve waited for since it’s inception in 1977 , when I was 17 years old . I was at Daytona when the Motor Company unveiled it . It’s a 2018 FXLR and has a little over 3,000 miles on it … So sad , 4 surgeries since I brought it home . The “ thought “ of selling it makes me sad and sick to my stomach . I get it serviced every year anyway , ( ALWAYS did my own mechanic work on the previous 12 HD’s that I’ve had since 79’ ) Lots to think about … What would anyone pay for it , anyway ?

Skill comes with experience. I've seen a lot of MSF instructors who obviously had low levels of experience, which is fine in a parking lot training newbs.

are guns legal where you live?

Motorcyclists who speed excessively give us all a bad name,. . idiots, that's what they are in my opinion. I have nothing against speed but take it to a track please.

@@steveclark.. ? 2 to 3 MPH over is unacceptable but the illegal lane changing brake checker gets a pass? Is that a Texas thing? I have been through Texas recently in a loaded pick up so my lights were a little high, Texans seem to be more sensitive than all the other states I drove through to that and I had a similar run in with an Izusu of all cars . . . . Glad everyone had the skills and cool heads to brush that off as a minor incident.

@@smoke05s Sorry, I read it has 2 or 3 times over the speed limit. 😃 No speedometer is spot on anyhow, I'm okay with folk being 5mph over a limit. I'm in the UK, a typical country road with bends may have a 40mph sign, bikers who ride along close to 80mph or more, those are the idiots I'm on about. Not just bikers, some drivers of other vehicles too.

I notice it more in the car than I do riding the motorcycle for whatever science reasons...

Amen he looks like he is out of shape and slurs his speech

You’re probably delusional if you think you’re the same as you were at 18.

Hey man, if it has two wheels & a motor, count me in! Brakes optional.

@@savage22bolt32 yeah. If it hasn’t got a motor, then I don’t trust it….😊

Hope your own reaction time keeps up with the bike...It is quite strange that you compare a CBR954RR to a heavy cruiser while the video clearly talks about the rider's ability (like reaction time, vision etc.) rather than the kind of bike you ride.

That’s a great story! Keep riding!

Same here.....now 71. I have ridden mostly Harleys all my life, still riding an Evo FXDL...I ride much as always.....complete awareness that every driver on the road is out there with the intent to kill me....something I learned at 16 when I was sideswiped by a drunk with no lights on, coming out of an alley one evening....

You be doing wheelies on that MT?

@@vaportrail226 Not yet. I use to do it on my 09 Triumph street triple but the MT07 needs a little more throttle.

Luv my MT07 as well..

These are good rules. I add to that all my riding must be defensive. I’m usually exhausted when I get home after a long ride because of the strenuous, never ending mental computations that I have to do. I’m constantly doing mental ‘what if?’ calculations - an incompetent/reckless/drunk/distracted/thoughtless SOB could cause a very painful death or permanent disability. So far, so good. Still alive at 65!

@@ibnewton8951 Keep that up and you'll be riding into your 80's.

Well Said. & Don't ride if you're pissed off . That's a definite biggie

I'm at the same age as you and I agree to your 3 rules. And will ad a 4th: Never trust the other drivers at a junction (even if you have the right of way) till you see in the eyes of the other person that you have an agreement. I have stopped several times in my life for my life. Stay safe and have fun.

71 here still riding long rides in the morning going to work are much more relaxed but the ride home in backed up Pennsylvania traffic can knock the hell out of you . Even for a young rider using your rear brake and dragging your clutch keeping your balance gets old fast and tiring.

Try goblet squats and planking…balance is determined by our inner-ear balance fluid and as importantly, our quadricep muscles. Our quadriceps and body core stabilise our balance…we can maintain these by exercising.

I hear a lot of “ older “ bikers go to trikes. 3 wheels. If I start losing my balance that will tell me my strength is obsolete to when and where ever I may drop it and need help standing it up. Hell I didn’t think I’d make it to 58 or I would’ve taken better care of myself. Hopefully I’ll see 75. My hats off to you for the two million miles. Ride on brother,,, 🏝️ 0’\~o

Search RU-vid for balance exercises for seniors. I have the same problem. Also downsizing helped me a lot too!

Well Said

why are them days gone.. what actually happens. ?

@@onenessseeker5683 you get old. Figure it out

@@anthonyangeli256 Well I know an old man 82 that still pops wheelies. real good ones still

@@onenessseeker5683 pops wheelies on what? A jazzy?

I'm 61 I had my license since I was 16 my thoughts exactly mirror yours !

You got an old shovel also? Mine is a Wednesday built shovel/ AMF bowling ball- turned 43 years old. Shovels forever!

Wow, you are still riding a 1975 bike. That's good that you have kept it well maintained all those years. I agree with your MPH, stay on the less traveled two lane roads, and watch out for cagers talking on their phone while driving. PS: I am 77.

I use to belong to a flying club and before u could hire an aircraft if u had not flown in the past 2 weeks u had to take a short flight with a flying instructor who was going to check u out before allowing u to hire an aircraft solo. Quite sensible really . As I age ( Im old already) I can see myself going down on capacity to a smaller lighter bike, in fact Ive an old 250cc dirt bike Ive had since 1975 and I aim to use it to do some green lane riding this year , should keep my skills up.

Agreed. Just turned 70 last week and here in Philly not much riding time this time of year but every chance I get I get out on my Street Bob to keep the rust off. Still working so that complicates it also.

@@dgross2009 Time to get out there. That's my problem also.

Change gas often

Plus you can ride during the hours that most car drivers are at work. Less traffic on the road during those hours.

I stay on two lane roads and cruise at 45 or 50 and ride in the middle of the day so the sun isn't in my face. A couple of hours and I'm happy.

@@Earthneedsado-over177 Same here, except I do ride in the afternoon, but before most folks get off work..

I'm 61 and have raced and riden a scoot since age 5 I have had kids " I can say that about 30 yo's" crap themselves trying to keep pace with me on a Geezer Glide "14 FLHTCU" only has 103k on it 😆.

You make an excellent point about increased speed very rarely being a safety factor on a motor cycle, or a car come to that. You could make the argument that in a boat, having some extra power/speed can get you out of certain dangerous situations where tides and winds are a factor, but this does not apply to the roads. Consequently, having a less powerful bike is a great recommendation to the older rider. They are lighter, which makes it much easier to handle, particularly at lower speeds, use less fuel, are cheaper to run and service. I think they can be just as much fun and go plenty fast enough. Modern 250s have quite brisk performance and certainly can go far in excess of the legal limit. Most 500s have plenty of power to carry a pillion if needed. I am now 69 and gave up motorcycling at the age of approx 62 when I sold my Honda CBF 1000. I recognised that though I was still capable of riding it and enjoying it, my reaction time and strength were inevitably diminishing and I considered it best that I decided when it was time to give up, rather than the fates decide it for me! Another factor was the expense, The larger bike was both more expensive to maintain and did worse miles to the gallon than my car. As a retiree, my income was less and I decided that it was a toy that I did not need, as there are many other things in life I enjoy. It was also handy to have the garage space back to clutter up with other things. My only additional comments are that when I have ridden small bikes (I had a Honda CG 125 for a few years) I did find that sometimes motorist pulled out in front of me in a way they did less frequently when I was on the big bike. I think that might have been because they see a small bike and under-estimate the speed you are doing, or think you will hold them up. I have noticed that as a cyclist this can also happen, as many cyclist are travelling as fast as the motorised traffic in towns. I think a 250 has sufficient presence on the road for other motorists not to think it slow. The other thing I would recommend is the importance of ABS systems on all vehicles, particularly 2 wheeled ones. I know the purists don't like ABS, but I am convinced that only a skilled motorcyclist without ABS can out-brake a decent ABS system. In my experience, most drivers and riders think they are more expert than they actually are (reference the Dunning Krugger effect). Even the most skilled can make a misjudgement in the heat of the moment. You've only got to get it wrong once.

@@ralphbrooks2132 I purchased the little 2017 Yamaha V Star 250 in 2021 for $2,200.00. It had just over 2000 miles on it. On the first trip I was getting between 70 and 80mpg. I thought motorcycles were pretty economical. I stopped at a little bikers bar in the middle of nowhere West Texas. The place looked like it had dropped out of the movie Wild Hogs. Talked to a few bikers for about an hour. When they found out I was from Omaha Nebraska they thought I was nuts. I in turn, was shocked when I discovered what some people invest in the sport. The wheels on the Harley I was parked next to were worth more than my entire motorcycle! I was really careful when I pulled out of the parking lot.

@@clarson2916 You were probably right to be careful ;)

@@clarson2916 Your Yamaha 250 sounds great value. I bet it gives you more fun per buck than the fancy wheels.

Yup I agree the 3 second gap is just not feasible in an urban multi-lane environment. I look for pockets in the stream and ride slightly faster than traffic is moving to keep from being the meat in the sandwich.

Yeah, I'm much more careful than when I learned to ride in my 20s, better judgement. Still manage to get myself in a jam sometimes, but much less frequent. Brakes have gotten better too, thankfully!

@@alanfield735 If someone moves into your 3 second gap, it doesn't matter. You'll stand a much greater chance of getting to your destination if you just let 'em cut in and back off a little more. TRUTH!

A lot to be said for just NOT riding aggressively... If they move into the safety buffer, stay off the throttle... as in JUST don't accelerate. It's not difficult... Obviously, there's a point where you're actively causing the hazard by slowing beyond what's a reasonably comparable speed within traffic and conditions... Usually, (at least popularly) this is around 10 mph under the posted limit... AND similarly, it's obviously dangerously fast if you're 10 or more mph OVER the limit... BUT this is only a "general rule"... What's most important, regardless of your personal "style", is that you give yourself the time to READ traffic around you. Glancing to other vehicles' WHEELS will tell you a LOT about what they're doing or about to do before they've created a nuisance... You can't cheat physics, either... so the bigger and heavier the vehicle, the more reliant on physics it is, and thereby the more predictable it absolutely MUST be... Wheels will misalign before a vehicle crosses into or out of the lane(s)... The further out of alignment with the markings on the road, the more likely they are traveling more than one lane over... and at a glance you can see that easier than you can notice some subtlety like more of the nearest side showing to you. Wheels slow to a stop at signs and lights around intersections and side streets or the openings of parking lots to the road, too. Don't bet your life on someone seeing you before they're in your way, check the wheels and SEE if they're coming to a stop in time or not... AND further ahead (or even behind) you're actually very gifted at seeing patterns. Along with that, you can notice DISRUPTIONS in those patterns just as easily and quickly. The further away that you can notice a disruption, the better your chances of making an appropriate decisive maneuver and avoiding the trouble, whatever it may be. By simply riding less aggressively, you buy yourself time... BUT that simply isn't enough. It's the experience to know what to DO with that time that makes the biggest difference. READ, EVALUATE, EXECUTE, RE-EVALUATE (results)... DO that consistently, and almost no matter how old and decrepit you get, you can maintain a fair mastery of just about any vehicle, including but not limited to motorcycles. ;o)

@@gnarthdarkanen7464 above or below posted limit doesn't matter. It is your speed relative to all the other traffic that matters. If the average traffic is going 10mph faster than posted, and you are doing the "posted limit" so are 10mph slower than everyone else: you are the hazard. I typically ride 5mph faster relative to the other traffic, regardless of posted speed limits. BTW: motorcycle speedometers are notoriously inaccurate, seem to always claim going faster than actual are. Very good points about looking at the wheels/rims of cars. That is what I'm looking at on every intersection too.

Agree with that speed range. Keep it below 55 mph. That means stay off the interstate highways. Age 77 here.

Oh yes please. I’d definitely like more content for older riders. Despite getting my license in 1977 and riding since I have seen my skills atrophy. I’m 65 and have noticed that motorcycle skills are perishable as you get older. Thank you for the advice Kevin.

Yes, I used to commute, now I just ride for fun. No busy cities, minimal interstate. Minimizes potential for bike/auto interaction.

Great to know you can still "get it up". I'm sure your wife is very happy about that!

@@danield831 Perhaps yours is a thoughtless remark. I’m 65 and am a widower. Perhaps since he is 73 he might be a widower too and would not care for this remark about his wife.

Age 77, and I went to a smaller, lighter bike because of that reason.

@@williamarinder8809 I miss my Honda CB750K. It was easy to ride and comfortable. My current one is a Suzuki Boulevard 800 and it weighs about the same but is larger. I feel less steady on it in spite the seat is lower.

Good for you that you can still ride at 84. Yep, lighter and slower are the two key words. And stay out of heavy traffic. I am 77, and still on two wheels, but you got me beat by seven years. I just put a half gallon at a time in the tank. That way, I can stop every 25 miles for gas, and use the rest room at a gas station. LOL

2 seconds is the bare minimum they teach new drivers. In a car with seatbelts and airbags you will probably live. On a bike you die.

Always slam the twisties!

My boy says I'm pulling a train. Who cares, I'm still on the road!

That's what I think too. Much easier to handle

I envy you your roads in the West of Scotland. I've driven some of them by car and they were great fun, with spectacular scenery. I had a friend, sadly now gone, who came from Arrochar, and we based several holidays there. I would have loved to do it by bike, but never got the chance. At 68, the 500 mile journey to get there on a 45 year old Triumph is too much for me now, but I wish you well as you carry on riding those roads.

I'm 68 yrs and have a KTM RC 390, a Royal Enfield 535 Continental GT, and a Honda 125 !!!! All my friends have Enormous Bikes !!!! Well, if they are that stupid then they can do whatever they want !!!!! I'm the only one who does all his own maintenance, and they hardly know how to pump the tyres up !!!!

@@spaceted3977 Could not agree more, and by doing all my own servicing and maintenance i know the job has been done right.

Sorry to hear that John...that day will come for all of us though.

Three wheels is an option.

grab a Vespa GTS, no gears, twist and go, and lighter than a huge MC.

@@NoFrictionZone I had a Vespa 150 in high school and college in the 60’s great machine. The new ones are amazing.

Why not a Can-Am Spyder/Ryker, that's what I did at 66 after a crash on 2 wheels. 3 wheels won't tip over plus ABS, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability System, Electronic Power Steering, Semi Automatic Transmission and more, and, if I'm honest, more confidence than on 2 wheels. And definitely loads of fun.

I am 61 with over 30 years of riding experience. I changed my 1100 Shadow for a 411 Scram last year and am really enjoying the lighter weight. I have also owned trikes in the past and definitely wouldn't rule another one out in the future, especially if it will extend my riding time.

My thoughts exactly. But those trikes are mighty pricey friend

Agreed:

Try maintaining a 3-4 second following distance to the vehicle in front of you, works well for me, ride safe.

Three car lengths at a stop sign is a hugely wasteful amount of space. Conversely, 3 car length following distance on an interstate at 65 mph is an incredibly small reckless amount of space. Your following distance should be based on time, such as 2-3 seconds following distance. The amount of feet (car lengths) separation increases as speed increases. You want a Time Buffer. Watch the car in front and when it crosses a mark/seam, start counting seconds starting with 0: 0 (wait a second), 1 (wait a second), 2 (wait a second), 3! --- that is a conservative 3-second time separation when you should be crossing the same mark. At 65mph that is 286 feet of separation (about 19 car lengths).

A stiff neck is a problem. You need your head on a swivel riding motorcycle. Chiropractor helped me. Also, blue wave traction pillow at Amazon really works well. Like $22-25 bucks.

Yeah, riding when fatigued is the worst. My travel buddies and I start searching for a good nap spot around 1:00.